Sure, Christmas is six months away, but we're willing to bet that you're already feeling overwhelmed by all the Christmas shopping you have to do. But how can you organize your list to make sure Aunt Suzy doesn't fall through the cracks? Technology, of course. Different Christmas shopping apps can make your life easier.
In a 2017 study on "festive" stress, 56 percent of Americans said that gift shopping is the most stressful part of the holiday season. In a 2019 Bankrate study, 53 percent of gift-givers said they were seeking coupons and other ways to save money for holiday gift-giving.
Don't fret!
We've compiled the best Christmas shopping apps for iPhone and Android to help you start your shopping list early — just like Santa — and reduce the stress behind the holiday shopping and give your wallet a break.
Scared of going over budget yet again this holiday season? Downloading the Christmas List app can help you stay organized both in the financial and gift-giving front. The app, available on iOS and Android, allows you to start lists for several recipients and then set a budget for each.
You can track what gifts you need to buy, check them off when purchased and then follow them through shipping, receipt and gift-wrap. You get a high view of your gift list that can be organized by the store if needed, so you only make one trip. With the Christmas List app, the countdown to Christmas goes from a stressor to a fun reminder.
Getting your Christmas shopping list started is as easy as importing your contacts to Santa's Bag. Set up your list, a budget for each family member or friend and then, update as you buy and wrap. Splitting a gift between two recipients? This Christmas shopping list has a feature for that.
The to-do list view is one of the best features within the app since it helps you see your progress across categories all at once. As the fall approaches, you can start strategizing how to order and buy gifts before the holiday rush. Better yet, you can keep track of your budget and plan accordingly. Available on iOS.
Need to know if the item you've got in hand is your best bet? Use a barcode-scanning app like ShopSavvy to make sure you're getting the lowest price. Scan the code on an item, and then prepare to be amazed when the app shows you where else in town you can get the item and how much each retailer is charging.
Comparison shopping is a breeze with ShopSavvy — perfect for Christmas shopping. Available in iOS and Android.
Is there anything worse than finding the perfect gift for your friend while browsing the internet and accidentally closing the tab without bookmarking it? GiftPlanner has your back. While the app has all of the budgeting and planning features as other Christmas shopping apps, it also offers a bookmarklet to add items to your lists, so you save that gift idea in real-time.
If you're trying to send a gift card to a friend as a Christmas gift, GiftPlanner allows you to add it, buy it on the app and send it via email or SMS text. Pair with a holiday card via mail. One-click, and you're done!
Rakuten, formerly eBates, puts online coupons and cashback deals right in your hand with their app. Whether you're making your Christmas shopping online or in-person, the shopping app helps you get the most out of your purchase. Once you download the app, available in iOS and Android, you can review the available deals and select the offer you plan to use.
Plan your shopping around cashback deals and save even more on your Christmas list. What better gift to yourself than coming in under budget for your Christmas gifts, maybe enough to treat yourself.
While eBay remains king in the reselling space, other apps are coming into the space. You may recognize Poshmark as a used clothing marketplace. However, the shopping app now offers so much more.
From expensive, still-in-the-box housewares to unopened beauty items, you can take advantage of the reduced prices. The e-commerce marketplace is a hidden gem that can help you find some unique gifts for your friends and family.
We can't make a list of the best Christmas shopping apps without including the e-commerce juggernaut, Amazon. With helpful features like public wish lists, registries and a save-for-later function, you can easily organize your gift purchases and let others what you'd like, too.
Cross off many on your list by using the Amazon app, whether you use the search function to review options, want to grab a gift card or scan the barcode when out and about to add to your list to buy later.
For those friends that have it all, sometimes, no matter how hard you try — there's just no perfect gift. Except for gift cards. The key to making gift cards thoughtful is to buy them from a place that aligns with their interests.
If you're looking for a deal, try downloading Raise to take advantage of their discounted gift cards. Send them to friends or use them to get through your Christmas lift.
Sometimes, you don't know what the right gift is until you see it. Giftagram puts together curated gift sets for every person in your life. Browse the different categories, filter by interest or price and choose the right gift for that person. Skip the mall, and in a few clicks, send a thoughtful gift via your contacts.
Many of the curated gifts available are from local entrepreneurs and small business owners. Available on iOS and Android.
It's never too early to start planning for one of the most stressful and joyful times of the year. Each of these Christmas shopping apps helps you stay organized, save money and finish up your list ahead of time, so you're not stressing anything but what Santa is bringing you.